League: Scotland cause major upset

Scotland's Kane Linnett, centre, and Ben Fisher, right, with Tonga's Willie Manu, 2nd right, and Fuifui Moimoitheir in action during their 2013 Rugby League World Cup match. Photo / AP.

Scotland 26
Tonga 24

Scotland caused a major upset in the rugby league World Cup this morning with a 26-24 win over Tonga in Workington.

It's a result that has a significant impact on New Zealand's likely quarter-final opponent, with the winner of the group containing Tonga, Scotland and Italy likely to meet the Kiwis in the quarter-finals.

It had been assumed Tonga would win Group C but their defeat has opened the door for Italy, who have a handful of NRL players like Anthony Minichiello, Mark Minichiello and Aidan Guerra and who opened their World Cup campaign with a comfortable 32-16 win over Wales.

Scotland jumped out to a 20-4 lead at halftime but found themselves trailing 24-20 with 14 minutes remaining. But Scotland conjured up another try, with Matthew Russell crossing, which was converted.

Tonga tried desperately to find the matchwinner, and came close on the last play of the game, but Scotland held on for a famous victory.

Scotland next meet Italy and Tonga play the Cook Islands in a crossover game with a Group D opponent.